Neighbors of the Somewhere Else Tavern shared harrowing accounts of sleepless nights this week, leading the Select Board to demand immediate sound mitigation at the School Street establishment. Resident Shane Gouki, who lives roughly 80 feet from the tavern’s outdoor stage, told the board that noise levels have become unsustainable for his family. Gouki described a desperate routine where he must drive his children around in a car on Friday and Saturday nights just so they can fall asleep, noting that even with windows closed and white noise machines running, the bass vibration remains intrusive. Tavern owner Jason admitted the establishment screwed up regarding a recent Sunday performance that featured a full rock band instead of a planned low-key session. While Jason presented decibel readings as low as 61, other readings peaked at 77 decibels, a level member John G. Brown noted was significantly louder than a toilet flushing, as had been previously suggested in comparisons. Chair Tracy Marino, who reviewed audio recordings taken from inside neighboring homes, characterized the volume as surprisingly loud and directed the owner to install soundproof, fire-retardant blankets and redirect speakers before this coming weekend.

The board also finalized the list of ten articles for the upcoming Fall Special Town Meeting warrant, prioritizing budget balancing and capital funding requests alongside a significant structural change to town government. A major point of discussion centered on Article 3, which proposes transitioning the Town Clerk from an elected position to an appointed one. Town Manager Bill Chenard argued the shift is necessary to ensure professionalism and expertise in complex election laws, rather than leaving the office to the results of a popularity contest. Assistant Town Manager Sabrina Chilcott noted that Town Counsel recommended the Town Manager serve as the appointing authority to maintain consistency with the Town Manager Act. Member Daniel Trabucco supported the move, stating that a part-time board cannot manage day-to-day operations as effectively as a professional manager. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to amend the draft of Article 3 to place hiring and terminating authority of an appointed Town Clerk with the Town Manager. Motion Passed (5-0). Following this adjustment, the board moved to include the full slate of articles. Motion Made by R. Flynn to include all 10 articles as submitted prior to the closing of the warrant. Motion Passed (5-0).

In other business, a backyard wedding at 58 Kings Terrace sparked a debate regarding noise limits in residential zones. While the applicants requested live music until 11:00 PM on September 13, John G. Brown expressed concern that such a late hour was inappropriate for a neighborhood. Daniel Trabucco countered that the one-time nature of a wedding differed from a recurring business nuisance. Motion Made by R. Flynn to approve the request of Tyler and Joshua Carrigan for live music and on-street parking at 58 Kings Terrace on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, subject to the approval of the Pembroke Police Chief. Motion Passed (5-0).

New commercial activity was also authorized as the board reviewed a Class 3 salvage dealer license for Auto Deals at 3 Old Colony Terrace. Owner Radwan Alcaros explained the business is entirely digital, focusing on bidding for salvage-titled vehicles to be exported overseas without any on-site storage or display. Motion Made by R. Flynn to approve the application of Radwan Alcaros, d/b/a Auto Deals, for a new Class 3 auto dealer’s license with no storage or display of vehicles. Motion Passed (5-0). Additionally, the Riverside Sports Complex secured a special license for its upcoming grand opening celebration. Motion Made by R. Flynn to approve the request of Riverside Sports Complex for a one-day liquor license to serve beer and wine on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board also addressed neighborhood safety and solicitation. John G. Brown reported that the town’s no solicitation policy is being flagrantly violated by a specific company and urged residents to report sightings to the Town Manager’s office for $300 fines. Meanwhile, a request from the Historical Society to acquire roughly 140 remaining 300th Anniversary books currently stored in the library attic was met with caution. While Tracy Marino suggested the books should be donated rather than collecting dust, Bill Chenard warned that state anti-aid laws might require the Society to pay a nominal fee if they intend to resell the books. The board consensus was to revisit the matter on September 10 to ensure a transparent public process. Finally, utility improvements are coming to Pembroke Woods Drive. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to grant approval to National Grid and Verizon on their joint petition to install a new pole 16-23 for smart metering systems. Motion Passed (5-0).